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The province has announced the name for a program that waives post-secondary tuition fees for former youth in care.
The Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment (SAJE) program is available to teens and adults up to the age of 27 who were previously in government care and wish to pursue a college or university education.
A release explains that the program has been available for youth 19 and older since 2022, however, the Ministry of Children and Family Development unveiled the program’s name on Tuesday, May 30.
The ministry also announced that additional support would be coming into effect in 2023 and spring 2024.
Earlier this year, the ministry said the expanded program will no longer have age requirements and will be available to all BC former youth in care, as of August. 1, 2023.
The province said a new grant will also come into effect on Sept. 1. The grant will provide up to $3,500 to support recipients in covering costs for textbooks or computers.
Other “enhancements” that were announced this week include $600 every two years for glasses and contacts, dental coverage up to $1,000, expanded housing flexibility for youth between 19 and 21-years of age as well as expanding the duration of support up to 27-years-old.
Through a youth-led process, BC youth in care have chosen a new name for our expanded set of supports and services for those transitioning out of care. The name is SAJE: Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment. #BCCYICW #youthincareareawesome #GotYac pic.twitter.com/tkhSGrDodj
— Mitzi Dean (@MitziDeanBC) May 30, 2023
A release says other supports include:
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Unconditional monthly income supplement of up to $1,250 until age 20 to cover living expenses
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Option to maintain the monthly income supplement if the young adult participates in programming, such as finishing high school or attending post-secondary, vocational training, life skills, mental health and/or rehabilitation programs.
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Enhanced medical benefits with access to counselling
“The journey from youth to adulthood presents challenges for everyone, but it’s especially hard for young people who have had their connections with family undergo significant changes or disruptions,” said Mitzi Dean, minister of children and family development.
“What happens as we transition from youth to adulthood shapes the rest of our lives, which is why we’re working hard to build a system of supports that gives young people who have experienced government care the help they need to thrive.”
As of May 2023, more than 1,100 young adults from care have received monthly rent supplements.
The next application period for funding will open in fall 2023.
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